Southbound travel for Guangdong yachts formally began on 16 October 2026. For a private voyage between Guangdong and Hong Kong, start by identifying the direction of travel, the vessel operator and the people on board. A skipper’s certificate is only one part of preparing the trip.
This guide covers Hong Kong–Guangdong arrangements checked on 20 October 2026. Macau has its own procedures to verify separately. For a day aboard a locally hired boat, see our Hong Kong yacht day-trip guide.
Which journey are you planning?
| Journey | Start with | Keep separate |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong yacht visiting Guangdong | Northbound arrangements and Mainland port requirements | Hong Kong departure, Mainland arrival and departure, operator and passenger documents |
| Guangdong yacht visiting Hong Kong | Southbound and visiting-yacht requirements | Mainland exit checks, Hong Kong navigation permission and personnel information |
| Local hire within Hong Kong | Local vessel, hire and operator requirements | Skippered or self-drive hire, permitted use and contract terms |
The 28 September government announcement records the signing of working arrangements and the earlier June launch of northbound travel. The 16 October release confirms southbound implementation. Older reports describing the latter as a future proposal no longer describe that milestone accurately.
Southbound: check eligibility and the departure port
The October release identifies Guangdong-registered yachts with an offshore operating range of 20 nautical miles and wave resistance of at least two metres as eligible to apply. These are vessel conditions; a calm forecast does not replace them.
Its six designated Mainland exit points are Guangzhou Nansha Passenger Port, Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Homeport, Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal, Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port, Zhuhai Wanshan Port and the Shengshi Yacht Club terminal at Zhongshan Port. Confirm current arrangements with the selected port before fixing the date. The release links an official process attachment to review with the owner, skipper or agent.
Assign someone to submit applications, check approvals and keep the replies before booking non-refundable shore activities.
Hong Kong entry and navigation permission
The Marine Department’s notes for visiting yachts distinguish pre-arrival notification, clearance and permission to navigate in Hong Kong waters. Owners and masters can use the Electronic Business System to submit vessel, crew and passenger information for advance review.
The 16 October process guide sets different deadlines: free pratique at least 30 hours before arrival; pre-arrival notification and incoming crew/passenger lists at least 24 hours before arrival; and Mainland online reporting four hours before leaving Mainland waters. Work backwards from the relevant arrival or departure time for each procedure.
Keep three document groups: the vessel’s registration, insurance and approvals; the operator’s qualifications and relevant local-knowledge evidence; and each passenger’s travel documents and entry arrangements. This is an organising method, rather than a complete official document list. Mark submissions and approvals separately, and check changes to dates or personnel.
A local boat licence and local-knowledge training serve different purposes
The Marine Department examination page lists PVO Grade 2 certification separately from Hong Kong waters local-knowledge training and testing for visiting operators.
New local candidates can start with our PVO Grade 2 exam guide. Visiting skippers holding other qualifications should verify the acceptance of those credentials and the applicable local-knowledge requirements. Completing a local-knowledge course should not be treated as receiving every category of Hong Kong operator certificate. Equally, a Hong Kong Grade 2 certificate alone does not settle approval for a northbound voyage.
Visiting yachts using designated anchorages also need AIS and VHF equipment and must follow the operating and listening requirements in the Marine Department’s notes. Review qualifications, equipment and navigation permission together.
Anchorages and landing arrangements
Marine Department Notice 119/2026 establishes visiting-yacht anchorages at Tai Tam Bay, Stanley Bay, Three Fathoms Cove, Tai O and Repulse Bay from 29 June 2026. Consult the notice for boundaries and use appropriate current charts for navigation.
An anchorage does not provide a booked marina berth or a tender. Arrange landing, luggage, shore transport and the return to the yacht separately. Do not build a hotel or restaurant itinerary around an unconfirmed transfer.
Give each part of the trip an owner
- Owner or agent: check approvals, document dates and changes to the vessel or personnel.
- Skipper: confirm qualifications, route, weather, communications, stopping arrangements and a return plan.
- Travellers: verify individual entry requirements and who maintains the passenger information.
- Shore contact: coordinate arrival with transfers and accommodation, including delay or cancellation terms.
For local outing preparation, continue to the Hong Kong yacht day-trip guide. If you are working towards a local operator certificate, use the application checklist and official sample papers.
